Chair and Full/Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
University, MS, US, 38677
Note for Current UM Employees
Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu
Position Description
The School of Engineering at the University of Mississippi is seeking an experienced educator, researcher, and administrator for the position of Chair of Mechanical Engineering. The faculty appointment will be at a rank commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering was established in 1952 and is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science with emphases in mechanical engineering. The Department had 284 undergraduate and 20 graduate students in Fall 2023 and graduated 46 undergraduate students in May 2024.
The program currently has 12 faculty (9 tenure/tenure-track; 3 instructional faculty). Of the 9 tenure/tenure-track, 5 have tenure. The faculty engage in diverse research areas, including advanced manufacturing, e-mobility, materials science and engineering, blast and impact dynamics, and aerodynamics.
The goals of the Department of Mechanical Engineering are to:
• Ensure an environment conducive to learning, teaching, and research;
• Provide a top-quality ABET-accredited undergraduate program suitable for the 21st century;
• Foster a vibrant graduate program and perform quality research in line with national trends and achieve national recognition;
• Establish strong partnerships and lasting relationships with industry, government, professional societies, alumni, and academia; and
• Make significant contributions to the technological and economic development of the State of Mississippi and the region through education, research, and service.
School of Engineering
The School of Engineering at the University of Mississippi was established in 1900, making it the oldest engineering school in Mississippi. Over the decades, the school has grown to ten undergraduate programs, both master’s and doctoral degrees, a diverse faculty and student body, and alumni excelling in public and private fields. The school has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,100 students and a graduate enrollment of 150. There are around 70 faculty members in seven departments.
Position Details
Appointment: 12 Month
Assignment Type: Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have:
• a doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline and a record of scholarly and professional accomplishment to qualify for appointment at the rank of associate or full professor with tenure;
• a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching excellence;
• a history of securing competitive, extramural research funding;
• a successful track record of mentoring graduate students;
• record of collaboration with a wide range of constituents (faculty, staff, students; industry and government officials; and private, state, and federal sponsors);
• history of supervising, mentoring, and empowering faculty and staff;
• excellent listening, decision-making, and consensus-building skills; and
• an ability to develop a shared vision for the department through open communication and transparency.
Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.
Application Procedures
Applicants should submit the following documents: a letter describing the qualifications listed in the Position Description section above, a full curriculum vitae, a vision for the department, a research statement, a teaching statement, and names/contact information of at least five references. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.
About the University of MS & Oxford, MS
Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.
Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.
Background Check Statement
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
Nearest Major Market: Oxford Mississippi